#EventsAtEkya: Hindi Diwas Celebrations at Ekya Byrathi
Our Schools
‘Language is the light of the mind.’
Ekya School, Byrathi celebrated Hindi Diwas on 12th September to commemorate the adoption of Hindi as one of the official languages of India. Hindi is a language that unites our nation with its rich linguistic diversity. It was adopted as one of the Nation’s official languages on the 14th of September 1949 on the occasion of the 50th birthday of Mr. Beohar Rajendra Simha, a Hindi Stalwart who fought with great effort for making Hindi our country’s national language.
The events organized included activities, competitions, and performances to educate and entertain children on the significance of the language to our nation. The event commenced with Ms. Diana sharing the history of the Hindi language followed by Ms. Richa Saxena who shared the importance of the same.
The students of Grade 1 were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisting of Esther, Myra, Naman, Nicole, Dhruv, and Rishika sang Aloo Kachaalo, Chal mere ghode chal chal, Billi gayi Dilli, Haathi Raaja, Machali jal ki hai Rani, and Paani barsa cham cham cham respectively. These students used props such as hand puppets, face masks, an umbrella and a potato during the recital.
The students of group 2 consisting of Arjun, Emma, Jeremiah, Laxity, Mishika, Naina, Vidhyuth, Varshini, Varsha, and Prisha guessed the names of the objects shown in Hindi. They were shown items such as a watch, tomato, tamarind, car, mango, carrot, pen, scissors, watermelon, ring, egg, book, gift, toolbox, etc.
Grade 2 Students wore traditional clothes representing their respective states and shared interesting facts about the culture of their state in Hindi. Arav, Daniyal, and Tarika represented the State of Karnataka and shared facts such as the capital city, famous sweet, holiday destinations in the state, and the most popular aspects of the State which include Sandalwood, Mysore Pak, and Jasmine flower. Chris represented Uttarakhand’s culture and shared that Bal Mithai is the famous sweet from the state. Geetanjali wore the traditional attire of Andhra Pradesh and spoke about the dance form Kuchipudi. Siddi dressed up in Gujarat’s traditional attire and spoke about the Garba dance form. Shivang wore Goan attire and spoke about the beautiful landscape of the state. The students spoke fluently in Hindi about the culture they were representing.
Up next was an energetic game named Khel Paheliyon ka where students of Grade 3 were divided into 2 teams and given picture riddles to solve. It was an enthusiastic competitive performance as students were attempting to solve the riddles. Team 1 consisting of Advika, Avishai, Claire, and Drisha, and team 2 consisting of Kabir, Lisa, Veda, and Tejaswini took turns to solve the riddles in Hindi.
Our student Prashanth from Grade 8 delivered a speech about author Munshi Premchand emphasizing his life, his journey towards becoming an author, and contribution to Hindi literature and the awards he has received.
Grade 4 students presented the poster they had made on the chosen topic of Creating awareness about Corona in their Apartments and in School. A team of students namely Kalyan, Myra, Rishabh, and Rian Gupta presented their thoughts on awareness in their Apartment which emphasized on sanitization measures, it’s importance, social distancing, and conveyed that staying home is the only way to stay safe.
Kanish, Avni, Twisha, and Amy presented their thoughts which explained the measures to be taken once school re-opens. The need for gloves, masks, sanitizers, and tissues were emphasized and reminded their peers to sanitize their hands after having come into contact with any surface. It was a very effective and comprehensive presentation.
The students of Grade 5 participated in Slogan writing using the Canva app on the topic ‘Corona Yodha’ translated as Corona Warriors, Aditi chose Policemen as her warriors expressing her gratitude by saying that the Police are available round the clock to ensure the safety of citizens, Anika chose to thank the Doctors for being lifesavers, Prarthana chose Chemists as her Corona Warriors and thanked them for providing medicine without a break while Talya created her slogan on Nurses and thanked them for their passion to serve.
Students of Grades 6 and 7 participated in a Hindi Extempore Competition. Students were given one minute and thirty seconds time, in which the first thirty seconds was for preparation and one minute was for the speech in Hindi. Prishetha of Grade 6 received a topic titled, ‘Lockdown Ke Samay Ki Meri Sabsi Priya Yaadien’ and shared that watching movies, preparing dishes, playing board games, and completing reading Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix will be some of the best memories she has created to cherish for a long time during this lockdown, While Charvi from grade 6 received the topic ‘Mera Sabse Pasindida khana’ she shared that she likes ice cream the most and it is her favorite summer companion.
Anshika from Grade 7 received a topic titled ‘Meri Pasindida Poshak’ and she spoke about how Jeans and a T-shirt are her favorite attire as they are the most comfortable. She also mentioned that she believes that one should wear what they like and they must be respected and acknowledged for who they are and not for what they wear. Dhanyata from the same grade received a topic titled ‘Mere bachpan ki sabse priya yaadien’ and shared three of her most favourite memories from childhood. Hitha from the same grade received ‘Mera sabse priya mausam’ as her topic and said that she likes winter the most, she enjoys winter mornings and relishes the spicy warm snacks during the time and spoke of the attire she wears during the season.
The last event of the celebration was the rap song performance on ‘Online Classes’ by Porus of Grade 8. Students cheered and enjoyed the performance. The Head of School addressed the students about how Hindi is a familiar language throughout our country and read a poem signifying how Hindi unites people beyond cultural differences. Followed by the announcement of Winners of the Extempore competition. The first place went to Dhanyatha while the Second place was received by Prishetha and Third place was received by Hitha.
This multifariousness of Hindi day celebration came to an end by students dancing for the tunes of the song ‘Bum Bum Bole Masti me Dole’ from the movie ‘Taare Zameen Par.’ This was indeed a very meaningful way to celebrate Hindi Diwas through exhibiting the skills acquired in the language while having fun doing the same.
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ekyaschools / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
ekyaschools / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
ekyaschools / April 02, 2024
The Eye of the Storm
In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.
And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy
Grade 8C
#EventsAtEkya: “Emotions in the time of a pandemic”- A Special Assembly at Ekya Byrathi
‘Emotions are the language of the soul’
The students of Grade 4 planned a special assembly virtually for the students of Grade 1-8 on September 11th, 2020. The event was on the theme, ‘Emotions in the time of a pandemic’. The session commenced with a prayer song, ‘All things bright and beautiful’ and this was followed by a sharing of lockdown experiences ranging from playing board games with siblings to fighting with them, trying their hand at cooking to getting bored at home and feeling sad.
The students had compiled a video on the topic, ‘Things that I miss most about our school’. Students mentioned the different aspects of physical school that they missed, such as their friends, teachers, recess, the swimming pool, and reading time at the library.
The thought for the day, ‘Control your emotions or else they will control you’ was shared and explained briefly.
The session also included a new word that was shared from the Vocabulary building exercises posted on Book Nook and students of other grades were encouraged to build on their word power.
The news headlines were shared followed by the video of a short skit enacted and recorded earlier by the students of grade 4.
Students emphasized the need for gratitude and how it keeps us going at all times and demonstrated this by talking of good things and affirming their dear ones, such as parents, siblings and teachers.
The session highlight was the talent show in which a couple of students showcased their musical skills. The students played, ‘My heart will go on’ and ‘Believer’ on the keyboard.
The assembly concluded with a motivational video on the theme, ‘Determination and hardwork create success’ which was the life story of Colonel Sanders, the brain behind the world's largest fast food chain KFC.
The session came to an end with the National Anthem and an address by the Head of School encouraging students to stay safe at home, to spend quality time with their families, work hard in their online classes and most importantly to be positive, at all times!
It was a time of much insight on the attitude of gratitude and to count our blessings especially in an uncertain time such as this.
#EkyaRecommends: ‘I learn and I support others’ learning’ – Why Ekya’s Professional Development vision is in line with the National Education Policy 2020.
The National Education Policy 2020 released this year requires teachers and school leaders "to learn the latest innovations and advances in their profession." Ekya places emphasis on conceptual understanding, integration of technology for learning and professional practices, and student projects that result in their thoughtful response to real-world problems:
Most people choose teaching as a career unaware of the myriad complexities that mark this profession. Indeed, it is the only line of work where it is expected that one single individual on a day to day basis would address the needs of hundred other individuals of varied ages, socio-economic backgrounds, interests, and motivation, all in one sitting.
Certainly, teachers need a tremendous amount of support and as like the earlier times, the New Education Policy 2020, continues to reiterate enabling teachers and school leaders "to learn the latest innovations and advances in their profession esp. content, pedagogy and skills essential to teach, to lead or to manage. It proposes workshops, online modules, and online platforms as modes for learning, sharing of ideas, best practices, and engaging in self-improvement activities as per one’s own interests".
Where do we stand in these twin backgrounds of expectations and proposed national guidelines?
I feel happy to share that Ekya has long recognized the various challenges that surmount a teacher’s life and has thus committed itself in supporting them in their career trajectories. Capacity building initiatives at Ekya resonate well with the new policy guidelines as they set on creating spaces for learning, unlearning, relearning, reflecting on learning, and developing oneself on a continuous basis.
The Professional Development Institute (PDI) plans and implements such programs not only for teachers but also for school administrators i.e. the Coordinators and School Heads, throughout the year. At the heart of these initiatives is the vision for developing ‘self’ as adults in order to ‘lead students’ to develop themselves. Indeed, teachers have the power to influence students and make a difference in their lives by way of contributing in their process of thinking or styles of working. And, it is through these programs that we are able to support teachers to reach out to many students in an effective way.
How do we do this?
“Workshops” both faces to face and online are integral to Ekya’s workplace education. Each academic year begins with a month-long “Orientation Program” both for new as well as returning teachers and school leaders. It aims at enabling all to revisit curriculum, instruction, assessments, resources, and environment of learning; and prepare oneself vigorously to inspire students for learning. This is the space for teachers to think, ask questions on curricula or professional practice, and engage deeply with emerging ideas in educational research and practice. Topics in these sessions are beyond mastery of a set of techniques for ‘eliciting’ desired student responses and information transfer. They encompass a holistic view of how students need to learn not just math or arts but also age-appropriate behaviors or value systems.
As teachers start putting these ideas to practice and as the school leadership along with them begins to feel its impact, newer concepts are introduced with another set of sessions in a phased manner throughout the year. Thus, areas that became a part of “Ongoing Workshops” for educators this year after the annual orientations included - the Flipped Classroom Approach, Tech-Free Instructional Strategies and Learning Area Tools, Wellbeing and Actionable Feedback, to name a few.
“Self-Paced Learning” - is another set of opportunities for educators to strengthen their disciplinary content knowledge and specific skills. These are facilitated online through a learning management system comprising researched-based resources from leading educational institutions all over the world. This is the time for self-study, practicing concepts with assignments, and collaborating with peers by posting their own thoughts and acknowledging the views of others. Educators at Ekya not only work on these during the year but also carry these forward in summer breaks by choosing areas of study that match their interests and requirements.
“The Learning Festival”- is a culminating PD day that celebrates teachers’ hard work and passion that they put in planning and implementing varied learning experiences for their students. Thinking along the lines of an action researcher, teachers share a problem or a challenge they noticed in their class and describe how they overcame that with specific strategies resulting in positive outcomes. This sharing not only reiterates teachers’ beliefs in self-motivated efforts but also enables peer learning with cross sharing of ideas and practices that worked.
What is the effect?
There are multiple pathways to learn and learning is not confined to attending mandatory sessions planned in an academic year. Participation in PDs is beyond marking attendance, and encompasses intense engagement in the learning process – thinking, reflecting, sharing experiences, interacting with others, active listening, critiquing, asking deep questions and challenging one’s own thought processes. Similarly, education is not about gathering degrees but is a lifelong process of inquiry that requires looking back at one’s acquired disciplinary content knowledge and keeping oneself up to date with concepts and skills essential in today’s time.
There is a strong relationship between teacher learning and student effectiveness. If teachers have the understanding of how children learn, they can work skillfully with a wide range of learners. If teachers are passionate about their subjects, they can make their students enthusiastic about their use in the real world. If teachers take charge of their own learning, they pave the way for students to be independent and responsible learners.
These are our aspirations for our educators and these drive our PD initiatives too. Success in any endeavor like these comes only when people are involved whole heartedly. Indeed as is seen, educators at Ekya try their best to not miss participation in varied learning opportunities, and also apply gained understanding in their interactions with students. And, it is this silent contribution among other things, that is providing our PDs deeper meaning and sustainability day by day.
Introduction to the Series
The New Education Policy 2020 envisions a society high on social, economic, and scientific indicators with one key resource i.e. ‘its people’. It shows the possibility of tackling social and natural concerns with a renewed focus on education that is multi-disciplinary, skill-based, and liberal in nature. It envisions nurturing students who not only diligently acquire greater capacities for an independent life for themselves but are equally concerned about the lives of fellow human beings.
Ekya upholds each idea of NEP strongly and relates well with its philosophical and curricular strands. Much before the policy was drafted; it has been implementing many of its stated features such as- its instructional program that emphasizes conceptual understanding and not mere information accumulation; integration of technology for learning and professional practices and projects for student projects that result in their thoughtful response to real-world problems.
To disseminate many of these aspects with you and gain from your views as well, a series of blogs have been put together by various members of Ekya and CMR – K12 schools. We are happy to share with you the first part of this NEP blog series today.
About the author
Priya Iyer holds an academic background in Psychology and Education and is associated with the education sector for more than two decades. This journey of hers has been a combination of teaching and research both in school and higher education institutions. She started her career with an NGO as a teacher, a school leader; pursued research work at Oberlin and Claremont McKenna College, USA and later, a field study at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Canada. As a faculty at Azim Premji University, she taught a course on School Leadership and Management to post graduate students and worked extensively with the Foundation's initiatives on Pre-Service Education. As a UNICEF Consultant, Priya supported government efforts in implementing a program on education leadership that drives student learning outcomes. Currently, Priya Iyer supports concept, design and facilitation of capacity building programs at Ekya and CMR- K-12 Schools as well as CMR University as a member of the Professional Development Institute
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